It seems that since December 14, 2012 the issue of safety at school is causing an uproar. As many know, Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, was targeted and the lives of many innocent children were taken. This caused many people to question what our schools are doing for the children, and how safe we really might be. Some are also questioning the use/retail of deadly weapons. This tragedy has shaken the entire country and the devastation will never be forgotten.

The gunman who killed 20 children and six staff members was 20 year old Adam Lanza. His attack began with his mother, whom he murdered at their home in cold blood. His rampage continued and he went to Sandy Hook Elementary. After shooting through a glass door to enter the school he killed at will. Mercilessly, he took the lives of staff members, teachers and defenseless children ages 6-7. It is reported that he had a personality disorder as well as autism but they hoped it would not backlash on other victims with these conditions. Lanza’s motive hasn’t been confirmed but there are plenty of rumors. It is said his mother volunteered at the school and he hated the school taking away from his time with her. It is also said there was a dispute at the school the day before with some staff members, two of which were killed during his attack. Whatever the reason was, I’m sure it was by no means okay for him to choose the path that he did.

After this attack the marketing of guns has come into question. There are always the pro’s and con’s of selling weapons. People want there to be tests before guns are sold to someone, but the fact of the matter is they weren’t even his guns.

Not too long after the Sandy shooting, on January 11, 2013, Bryan Oliver took a gun to Taft High School with a plan in mind. He had been bullied at school and created a hit list of his bullies. There were no fatalities but one 16 year old boy was left in critical condition and is in a medical induced coma. Oliver was stopped by teachers who distracted him while other students escaped and convinced him to put down his weapon.

Schools no longer seem to be safe and this is causing many changes to school systems those that were affected and even those that were not. At Colton High we now only have three gates open to access the campus in the morning. Lockdown drills are being practiced and safety plans are being established. All of this brought on by an attack that was almost 3000 miles away, yet it has such a huge impact. Students can expect to see more changes in the future for their safety as well as for the safety of everyone else attending school.

Assistant Principal Victor Schiro sat down for a short interview with the Pepper Bough about the issues relating to school safety and guns.

Q: What did you think about the Sandy & Taft shootings?

A: It was a tragedy and it really bothers me because they were just children, they were so young. I think it made a big impact because it happened in a small community so everyone suddenly realized it can happen anywhere. Before that there was a shooting within the Amish community but it didn’t blow up like Sandy Hook did and I wonder why it wasn’t deemed as significant?

Q: What is changing at our schools? Do you think it will be effective?

A: As you know we now only have 3 gates open in the morning and security by the gates. There are a few drills going on to prepare students and inform them on what they will need to be doing. We are modifying our drills, thinking outside the box and spreading the children out on campus. Another new thing is during the lockdown we are doing tests like having students and teachers test to make sure doors are locked and stay closed, with N.I.N.O. (Nobody In Nobody Out) .  There is a district wide disaster prepare plan being discussed right now.

Q: How do you think these tragedies affect Colton High?

A: Well now we make sure all of the staff keep an I.D. badge on them and ask all teachers to keep their doors locked. It’s important to have everyone informed about things to do and what is going on when it is going on. Students are also a big part in this, they know who should and who shouldn’t be on campus so we are practicing the stranger danger system. Safety meetings are held regularly (next one in February) and half of the attendants are students. Over break Police, Sheriffs, Highway Patrols, Fireman and even Police from other cities will be on our campus patrol testing so in an emergency they can act fast and know the campus. I believe all of the precautions we are taking will be efficient.